Cleaning Yamuna will require improving sewerage networks, cooperation between Delhi and neighbouring states

News: A layer of froth was seen floating over parts of the Yamuna River in New Delhi.

For the past three days, social media has been flooded with visuals of devotees taking a dip in the Yamuna River enveloped by the toxic foam. The formation of froth is a sign of an ecologically-dead river.

What are the reasons for froth formation in the Yamuna River?

Direct release of untreated wastewater into the Yamuna Barrage: for example, Sugar and paper mills in places like Meerut and Shamli.

Inadequate river flow: The Haryana government has been criticised for limiting the river’s flow to the capital. When the river’s flow is lean, it is not able to wash off this detritus.

What is the way forward?

Institutionalise mechanisms of cooperation: cleaning up the Yamuna requires cooperation between the Delhi government and its counterparts in the neighbouring states.

Maintain minimum river flow: Need to devise adequate measures to maintain the minimum flow of the river.

Strict enforcement of laws: Government need to prohibit rituals along the Yamuna’s banks to maintain the sanity of the river.

Source: This post is based on the article “Cleaning Yamuna will require improving sewerage networks, cooperation between Delhi and neighbouring states” published in the Livemint on 12th November 2021.